Age: 50.
Basic bio: Laura is the author of Dálvi, Six Years on the Arctic Tundra, a memoir about the time she spent in a Sámi reindeer-herding village and the lifelong backstory that led her there.
Beyond the bio: Being over 40 has brought me meaning. I wrote a memoir because I finally had the experience to examine my life in a more thoughtful way. Time and age show us what matters and who matters. Discernment is our superpower!
What makes you a grown-ass lady?
I’m a grown-ass lady because I’ve survived to this age and (hopefully) have remained open to the world.
Here’s her TueNight 10:
On the nightstand: Magnesium CBD lotion, which is great for tired muscles before bed; a raven nightlight (the raven holds the bulb in its beak); and a copy of The Beekeeper of Aleppo, one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking books I’ve read in a long time.
Can’t stop/won’t stop: Well, I do have OCD, so you’ve just described my brain. I can’t stop and won’t stop my real and profound love of nature and constant need to be in it. This is something that really developed while living in the Arctic.
Jam of the minute: Sofia Jannok, an amazing Sámi singer songwriter who sings in Sámi language. My favourite song of hers is “Viviann” and I could listen to it endlessly!
Thing I miss: Sometimes I actually miss life before the internet. As much as it’s the most amazing tool for connection, I’m so glad to have grown up without it. Remember the thrill of waiting for a letter, a phone call, or traveling somewhere with no idea what you’d find or where you’d stay? That sense of anticipation is something that is hard to come by now.
‘80s crush: I’ll just say it. Rick Springfield.
Current crush: Brian May.
Latest fav find: Two things. I have Arctic reindeer herding dogs and we now live in England. The dogs shed constantly. I love the Furminator because it takes out hot undercoats and you can use it on cats, too. The second find is a service called Parcel Monkey. I use it to ship everything and it’s insanely cheap.
Last thing you lost: Sunglasses. It’s always sunglasses.
Best thing that happened recently: The fox that lives under a shed nearby had pups. So now every evening at twilight we have a gaggle of fox pups running through the garden. They’re riveting.
Looking forward to: Watching the last episodes of Better Call Saul.